Wedding Favors Etiquette
Although it is considered poor etiquette to not give wedding favors, there also is the opposite end of the spectrum where couples are giving wedding favors that are so expensive that it seems in poor taste.
Most young couples just starting out cannot afford to give extravagant wedding favors to each wedding guest. Perhaps there are ways to find a balance and still give recognition to those who have taken the time and expense to attend this special event.
If the couple getting married is older, they have somewhat the same problem relating to the expense of wedding favors. However, they may be having a small wedding and just a few guests which does lower the financial burden they would have in purchasing wedding favors.
Whether a young couple or elderly, the newlyweds do want to honor the guests who have come to share in their wedding day. There are many ways to thank them, especially if it is not a large group. It may take getting very creative, especially if money is an issue.
Especially when the couple is older, they may have friends or groups who could make something special to use at wedding favors. Senior citizen groups quite often will make themselves available to do some crocheting to make lovely doilies or things like that and then the names of the couple and their wedding date can be put on it to make it very personal. They can be made in many different colors and will be treasured gifts to the wedding guests.
Special gifts are usually given to those who are in the wedding party and are not put on the tables. Even children who are carrying flowers or rings in the wedding should be given special gifts that are appropriate for their age. Gifts should be given for the pastor who performs the ceremony and for any special singers in the ceremony.
Mainly, what is most important is not about how much the gift costs, but that the couple wants to warmly thank the guest for sharing this special occasion with them, and let them know that they recognize them personally. This is why it is not appropriate to give your guests generic gifts that are all the same for everybody. That is not showing that you value each guest personally.
One thing that is in questionable taste is giving out things relating to the business of the newlyweds. For instance, if the groom sells insurance, it’s poor etiquette to give out discount cards for insurance, or if the bride sells makeup, it would not be appropriate to give a discount card for a makeup party.
It is always in good taste to give favors that proclaim the marriage union of the couple including their names and date of their wedding. Including a card that says, “Thank you for sharing in our wedding day” would be warmly received by any wedding guest, especially if addressed to the guest by name.